Student journalists and school administrators should be aware of the protection Section 230 may offer — as well as its limits — when they venture into cyberspace.
Tag: Fall 2009
Top programs not immune to prior review
Henry Rome and Seth Zweifler have, between them, picked up just about every honor that a high school journalist can compete for.
Community college papers face tough odds to keep programs
Because of their unique circumstances, community college student journalists are often forced to tackle many issues differently than students at traditional four-year institutions ' from battling with overbearing administration to keeping their papers alive altogether.
Back to the drawing board
As the business model for journalism changes with the advent of new technology and more expansive schools of thought, college journalism programs change along with it. Policies implemented to shift, alter or otherwise change the way collegiate student media operates present a path across a legal and ethical minefield for both the students and administrators. Whereas some new policies may border on censorship, others have successfully kept student media afloat in difficult times.
The Greek beat
Covering the rousing parties, philanthropic activities and exclusivity of social fraternities and sororities on campus can be tricky ground for college journalists. Bad press can upset well-connected students and stories of exclusive houses can mold cultural misconceptions. However, the Greek community often plays a significant role on campus and is an important part of campus coverage.
Media advisers face pressure from school officials over editorial content
With administrators straying away from interfering directly with students, advisers sometimes become pawns, being forced into an ethical quandary.
Sexual content causes controversy
Whether in the interest of education, risqué humor or shock value, student newspapers have transcended the health reporting boundaries and ventured into writing Sex and the City-type revelations and sexual exploits. As student writers bump up against some readers’ notions of taste and propriety, these columns and special editions have created their share of controversy.
Concealing newspapers can qualify as theft
In the cases of the more than 7,100 campus newspapers stolen this past year, the circumstances were clear: Free newspapers were removed from stands in overt acts of theft, amounting to thousands of dollars in stolen property. In other situations, it can be unclear what, if any, crime has been committed.
LGBT content a target for censorship
With gay marriage and the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community being debated on the national level, some school administrators seek to limit such speech in the schools, and student journalists are find it tough to report on the issues.
Digital yearbooks capture memories with new medium
For decades, high school students have anxiously awaited the arrival of yearbooks —?a day filled with gushing over prom photos or exchanging books to sign personal messages. But Greg Ruiz thought there was a better way to remember his high school memories than with a traditional publication.